The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recognizes that a new sleep disorders center or laboratory for sleep related breathing disorders is unable to meet some Standards for Accreditation until the facility has been open for several months.

Provisional accreditation affirms that a facility has met core accreditation standards and is on the path to full accreditation. This designation gives the practice six months to build a history of quality patient care in order to meet all the standards required for full accreditation.

The AASM is working with insurance carriers to encourage their recognition of provisional accreditation. Such recognition would allow a new facility to receive reimbursement for services as it works toward full accreditation.

Provisional accreditation is available for the following facilities:

• A new, start-up sleep disorders center or laboratory for sleep related breathing disorders
• A new facility opened by an existing sleep disorders center or laboratory for sleep related breathing disorders

Applications for provisional accreditation from sleep centers or laboratories that have been open for more than six months will not be accepted.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. To apply for provisional accreditation a sleep disorders center or laboratory for sleep related breathing disorders must complete the online Application for Accreditation or downloads a paper accreditation application.
2. The facility submits the application to the AASM national office with a non-refundable accreditation fee of $3,800.
3. The AASM reviews the application and submits a recommendation to the AASM board of directors. The board makes the final decision to grant or deny provisional accreditation.
4. If granted, provisional accreditation lasts for up to six months. This length of time counts toward the five-year accreditation term that is granted for full accreditation.
5. During the six months of provisional accreditation, the facility may apply for full accreditation at any time. There is no additional fee.
6. If the facility appears to be in compliance with the Standards for Accreditation, then the AASM will schedule a site visit and will proceed with the regular accreditation process.
7. If the facility fails to apply for full accreditation during the six-month period, then it loses its provisional accreditation status and must reapply.

Facilities may apply for provisional accreditation one time only, regardless of outcome.

Contact the AASM national office for more information about provisional accreditation.